Written by: DaVion Lee
Its a return home for the defending champs as the Los Angeles Lakers(43-15) host the Philadelphia 76ers(22-35).
Bryant will be making his 1st appearance home in 3 weeks. Hoping to prevent back-to-back home losses for the 1st time in two seasons.
Kobe was less than stellar against Dallas, scoring 20 points on 9-23 shooting, losing 96-101 on Wednesday.
Philly is looking to win their 2nd consecutive on the road against the Lakers. The 76ers beat L.A. 94-93 on Mar. 17th, with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Andre Iguodala.
The Lakers, however, lead the series this season 1-0 after
L.A. has not been playing particularly well this month. Despite the 4 straight wins in the absence of Bryant, they’re a mere 6-4 in the month of February. So tonight, in a sense, is a must win.
Rebounding is key for the Lakers. The Lakers are much taller than the Sixers, and are among the league’s best in rebounding with 44.7 a game.
The twin towers, Gasol & Bynum, should have a good game. Look for Pau to take advantage of an undersized Elton Brand. Bynum will have a tougher mathup with Samuel Dalembert. Dalembert is just about an inch shorter then Andrew & will look to get him out of position.
Iverson will not be playing tonight, taking a personal leave to tend to his ill 4-year old daughter.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Lakers:
(C) A. Bynum
(PF) P. Gasol
(SF) R. Artest
(SG) K. Bryant
(PG) D. Fisher
Injuries:
K. Bryant(Ankle/Right index) is day-to-day.
S. Vujacic(Shoulder) is out.
L. Walton(Back) is out indefinitely.
Sixers:
(C) S. Dalembert
(PF) E. Brand
(SF) A. Iguodala
(SG) L. Williams
(PG) J. Holiday
Injuries:
W. Green(Shoulder) is a game-time decision.
F. Elson(Hernia) is out.
A. Iverson(Personal Reasons) is out.
J. Smith(ankle) is out.
NOTES:
Lakers are 134-128 and 84-71 against the Sixers all-time in the season series since both franchises moved to there respective areas. Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, and Elton Brand all played together as teenagers in the famed AAU program at Riverside Church in New York ~(Matt Beardmore).
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